January 19, 2014 "FIRST WITNESSES"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR EPIPHANY** (by Amanda Burr)
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us, baptized and revealed
the most beloved Son of God. He sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness
upon himself, suffering for us and dying for us; he was raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world.
This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Making a regular financial commitment to the support of your church is like learning any new skill; like learning to drive a car, or ride a bike, diving off a diving board, climbing a mountain or writing a book. It takes courage, practice and discipline. If you are determined to be good at it you have to keep working at it through the mistakes, the falls, the belly flops, the rough drafts and the nerves. The same is true of tithing. If we desire to be full participants in the body of Christ we must be courageous, take a leap of faith and jump in.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Our Most Sovereign Lord, we come into your presence on this beautiful morning awed by the wonder of your creation and your grace. We scratch our heads as we ponder the remarkable persistence of your love even through eons of human error and waste. You have graciously shared with us your earth, and all of its resources. Instill in us that same spirit of sharing. Teach us to conserve, preserve, and deserve all that you bestow upon us. Show us the way of openness. Move us beyond parochial attitudes and territorial thinking. If we are found grumbling, dissatisfied with human behavior close our lips. If we are threatening temper tantrums, mortified over our negative bank balance, plant our feet firmly in trust. If we are in complaint-mode, muttering our displeasure about anything; silence us until we can give thanks. Open us to the leading of your Holy Spirit, who calls us to follow in the footsteps of the lamb who takes away all of our sins. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.